Rebecca Seawright Garners Support in Bid to Replace Micah Kellner

Councilman Dan Garodnick has endorsed attorney Rebecca Seawright in her race to replace Upper East Side assemblyman Micah Kellner this year.

Mr. Garodnick, an East Side lawmaker, becomes one of the first big-name lawmakers to endorse in the contentious open race.

“Rebecca is the right fit for this district,” Mr. Garodnick said in a statement to the Observer. “She is smart, committed to a vision for the district that includes better housing options, improved infrastructure investment and a greener environment and I am pleased to endorse her.”

Mr. Garodnick, along with Councilman Ben Kallos, represents portions of the district and has some history with Ms. Seawright, a political neophyte. Mr. Garodnick appointed her to the local community board several years ago and will speak at a fund-raiser for Ms. Seawright, according to a source in the district.

Mr. Kellner chose not to not seek re-election, citing his appeal against Assembly sanctions that arose from sexual harassment allegations from a staffer several years ago.

Ms. Seawright is the only female candidate in the race and has also been endorsed by City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Public Advocate Letitia James.

She is running against Gus Christensen, David Menegon, Ed Hartzog and Cory Evans in the Democratic primary.